11 replies to this topic

[zaffy]

Not been anywhere for ages.  Mini won't start.  Can't find jump leads.  Off to Halfords.  Should I buy jump leads or a power pack starter?  thanks

[lordcakes]

Power pack is useful if you are expecting to use it often - if you don't use it it will go flat unless you remember to periodically charge it. It's also additional weight if you carry it round in the car with you.

Jump leads are lighter and will do the same job as long as you have a source to take from.

It all depends how you see yourself using this. I keep my battery charged when the car is going to go unused for any period and just carry jump leads as a just in case. If you are likely to find yourself totally stranded due to a flat battery then a power pack isn't a bad shout but periodic charging of your main battery is probably better insurance. You can also get the small booster packs now but they don't always work so we'll with a completely dead battery so consider that as well.

[danie garry]

i have a similar one to this https://www.halfords...-2l-677444.html

 

gets about 6 to 10 starts on a near dead 2l saab in the cold so not terrible and nice to keep in the car, only downside is remembering to keep it charged too! i've since charged the battery in the saab so its just sitting in the car as a precaution

[Blake71]

Have a look at the MSC Overland Plus Power Bank & Jump Starter https://www.mobileso.../overland-plus 

Around £110, cracking value in my opinion.

They reckon about 20 starts for a 2.0 litre diesel engine, I reckon I've used it at least 5 time on our Nissan this winter and still showing 4 bars on the charge indicator. 

[northernboy]

If you decide to get jump leads - don't get the cheapest, they are usually a waste of money. Due to poor connections and thin wire they get hot and don't allow sufficient current to be transferred. 

[croc7]

The batteries (lithium?) of the power pack that I have last forever and have the power to turn over a big diesel truck!  Very lightweight, compact and easy to store under one of the seats.  Handy to have.  Great investment.

[Carlos W]

The advantage of a power pack is you don’t need a second car, and with a cigarette lighter you can charge them in the car.

 

it also means if you’re reversed into a space you can start the car without pushing it out of the space to get to the boot.

 

as mentioned above, don’t buy cheap leads. The bitterness of poor quality lasts long after the cheap price is forgotten.

[JCmini]

I use power pack. One of those small ones from Amazon cost about 30 pound and size of a phone. Much better than jump leads and so much more convienient .

[gazza82]

If you decide to get jump leads - don't get the cheapest, they are usually a waste of money. Due to poor connections and thin wire they get hot and don't allow sufficient current to be transferred.

I melted a set of Halfords jump-leads!

[Spider]

I think these days, Jumper Leads are old hat.

 

One of the phone size starter paks would be the choice of weapon these days.

[Steam]

Jumper leads may be old hat but they do not go flat and leave you stranded, nor do they need replacing every 4 years,
Both a good quality set of leads and a battery pack would be my choice, belt and braces.

[mattj99]

I bought a Draper battery pack. Great for jump starting but also it's got two USB sockets and a torch so it came in very handy during a power cut to keep our phones charged. I always keep a set of leads handy as well just in case.

Edited by mattj99, 18 February 2021 - 11:57 AM.